Well, here we are...Week 17 of the NFL season and it couldn't have come fast enough for a lot of teams in the league. Last week saw complete chaos with the Panthers, Patriots, Seahawks, and Steelers all losing to teams they were favored against. The NFC playoffs teams are set, but their seeding is still up for grabs as only the Redskins are locked into their seed heading into the last game of the regular season. In the AFC, there's one Wild Card playoff spot open, with the Jets and Steelers both fighting for it. It's pretty simple for the Jets, win and you're in. For the Steelers, they need the Jets to lose at Buffalo, and they have to beat the Browns, thanks to their awful loss to the Ravens last week. There's also a chance Indy could overtake the Texans for the AFC South crown, but they have to win and hope Houston loses to Jacksonville, plus have a lot happen in order to win the tie breaker, which I won't bore you with. The short version is, that it is extremely unlikely all those games go Indy's way, so Houston should win the AFC South, let's take a look at how the final week of the season could end, and how the playoffs could shape up.
NY Jets -3
at Buffalo
As I indicated above, it's easy for the Jets, win and you're in. Lose, and you better hope Cleveland pulls off a miracle against Pittsburgh. Buffalo will throw everything they have at the Jets, but I think New York is going to be extremely focused in this one. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing exceptionally well the last month of the year, and the Jets may have the best WR tandem in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. With Shady McCoy out, give me the Win and In Jets to clinch a playoff birth in Buffalo. Jets 27 Bills 20.
New England -9
at Miami
At the beginning of the year, analysts thought this game might decide the AFC East title, but things have not gone well for the Dolphins this year. The Patriots currently have the No. 1 overall seed and they'll get a win today at Miami to ensure that the AFC road to the Super Bowl runs through Foxboro. I expect the Pats to get up by double digits early and then coast through the rest of the game. I know the Patriots have been riddled with injuries, but Miami hasn't looked good all year. Despite all the controversy and injuries, the Patriots will secure home-field advantage today. Patriots 31 Dolphins 17.
New Orleans
at Atlanta -5.5
The Falcons started off red hot, then looked abysmal for 2 months, then ended up beating a 14-0 Panthers team at home to get to 8-7. The Saints have been up and down all year, playing a lot of close games, but rarely coming out on the winning side of those games. These two teams hate each other, and I expect this game to be a war between two franchises who know they won't play again for another 8 months. Despite good play by Drew Brees, their defense has been awful throughout the season, which should set up nicely for Julio Jones and Matty Ice. Atlanta 30 New Orleans 24.
Baltimore
at Cincinnati -9.5
How happy were the Ravens on Sunday? That upset, that could very well have knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs, and it had Baltimore fans dancing in the streets despite only winning 5 games this year. With the injuries both teams are suffering at QB, this game is a toss up, despite the 9 point line. The Bengals have a lot more talent though, and with a win and a Denver loss, the Bengals secure a 1st round bye. With a lot more to play for, I'm going with the Bengals to get the win at home, but I think the Ravens make enough plays to cover the spread. Cincy 23 Baltimore 16.
Pittsburgh -11
at Cleveland
The Steelers completely blew it last week losing to the Ravens. It was a complete meltdown, against Ryan Mallett and the Ravens. I don't think they make the same mistake against the Browns this week. With Austin Davis starting for the Browns, the Steelers should be able to secure a victory. This one should be a blowout, and they'll keep a close eye on the score in Buffalo. Steelers 34 Cleveland 13.
Jacksonville
at Houston -6.5
At the beginning of the year, I didn't think the Texans had any shot at the postseason, but solid defense and a seemingly season-ending injury to Andrew Luck propelled the Texans into a situation where they're likely going to win the AFC South and host a playoff game. In Jacksonville, the Jags have only won 5 games this year, but they've found their QB and No. 1 WR, so that gives them the chance to focus on their defense in the draft. Gus Bradley has been told he'll be retained, but Jacksonville better get to the playoffs next year if he wants his services retained for 2017. I think this is a game Houston finds a way to win, but Jacksonville covers the spread. Texans 27 Jags 23.
Tennessee
at Indianapolis Even
With Indy being the trendy pick for the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, this has not been the year the Colts were hoping for after Andrew Luck's injury. The organization looks poised to make a change at the head coaching position, and you can bet Jimmy Sexton will get a call for several of his clients. As for this game, if Tennessee loses they secure the No. 1 overall pick, so they actually have a pretty strong incentive to lose this game, and I think they will, even with the problems Indy has had. Give me the Colts to get a win 20-17.
Washington
at Dallas -3.5
If I'm the Redskins, I sit every single starter this week. You're not going to increase or decrease your playoff position, so this is your bye week. I wouldn't even let Kirk Cousins dress for this game. Dallas should come out and just throw the ball all day with Kellen Moore, because they have nothing to lose. I'm going with the Cowboys, but I don't feel good about it. Dallas 22 Washington 20.
Philadelphia
at NY Giants -5
The Chip Kelly era comes to an end in Philly, and begins in Tennessee...? Well, we'll see, but you can bet the Titans give his agent a call. The Eagles need a lot of help because they've completely changed their roster and they're going to have to rebuild that team from scratch. The Giants will likely say goodbye to Tom Coughlin after today, and he's had a great NFL career. Despite the Giants' own concerns with personnel, I'm going with the Giants to get a win to send Coughlin off with a nice swan song at home, but this was a year where the Giants should have been playing for at least one more week. Giants 28 Eagles 23.
Detroit -1
at Chicago
The Lions and Bears both hoped they could sneak into the playoff this year, but that just didn't happen. Both teams sit at 6-9, but I think Detroit is the better team. They started the year 1-7, but are 5-2 since that start. The Bears haven't been able to find their rhythm all year, and will likely lose their offensive coordinator to a head coaching job at the end of the season. Chicago also is going to have to make a tough decision as Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery's contracts are up this year. I think Stafford throws early and often and Chicago has trouble defending against Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Lions 30 Bears 24.
Tampa Bay
at Carolina -10
The perfect season is over in Carolina, but the bigger issue is whether or not they can secure home-field advantage today. It's going to be tough with Ted Ginn, Jr., and Kirk Coleman doubtful, plus Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker out. This is a game where Cam and Olsen are going to have to take over, and the defense is going to have to play light's out, but I think they'll get it done. That line is huge considering all of Carolina's injuries. Give me the Panthers at home 27 - 21.
Oakland
at Kansas City -7
Kansas City has had a phenomenal 2nd half to their season. A team that looked left for dead is going to the playoffs, and could easily win their Wild Card round game. I don't think this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but Andy Reid and Alex Smith have certainly made for a nice tandem. Oakland also looks like they're headed in the right direction, but they still need to add some pieces before they can compete for the playoffs on a regular basis. Kansas City 20 Oakland 17.
San Diego
at Denver -9
The Chargers have had a tough season, while Denver has been able to overcome a lot of adversity, namely that of Peyton Manning declining in his play, then being injured for a good portion of the season. Even with Brock under center and Peyton on the sideline, I like the Broncos to get it done and lock down the No. 2 seed. Broncos 24 Chargers 17.
Seattle
at Arizona -6.5
The NFL moved the Panthers-Bucs game to later in the afternoon, due largely to the fact that if Carolina won, this game wouldn't be nearly as exciting. The Cardinals have looked pretty impressive all season, and Seattle has been good, but they still have 6 loses. Arizona is fighting with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall seed, and Seattle's only question is whether they will be the 5 or the 6 seed. With a LOT to play for, I'm going with the Cardinals at home. They're arguably the most complete team in the NFL right now. Arizona 27 Seattle 20.
St. Louis
at San Francisco -3.5
The Rams and 49ers can't wait for this season to end and the only celebrating they'll be doing will likely be on draft day. Both have major questions at QB and the head coaching position. The Rams have won 3 games in a row to get to 7-8, and they have an opportunity to end the season at 8-8 in Santa Clara. With the Rams having suddenly surged and the 49ers struggling to score points all year, I'm going with Case Keenum and Todd Gurley to get a win against San Fran 24 - 19.
Minnesota
at Green Bay -3
The final regular season game of the year decides who wins the NFC North. Green Bay got absolutely throttled by Arizona last week, and Minnesota took care of business against a depleted Giants team. Green Bay has struggled on defense all year, and you can bet that Minnesota is hoping to ride Adrian Peterson to an NFC North crown. If this game were anywhere but Lambeau, I'd like the Vikings, but it's hard to go against Green Bay at home in a meaningful game. Packers 30 Vikings 28.
It's been a fun regular season, and I'll be listening to the games on the road today as I head back from the Sugar Bowl. Cheers to the Playoffs!
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